Combination Backpack and Stool Device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is described for providing a stool or chair that a user may rest upon that may also be utilized by the user to carry a heavy load. The apparatus includes a backpack with an internalized support frame and a framework for a stool or chair seat. The internal frame supports a heavy load within the pack without pressing the internal framework against the users back.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the filing benefit and priority of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/701,919 filed Sep. 17, 2012, thecontents which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP

Not Applicable

JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention pertains generally to backpack and stool combinations,and more particularly, to a pack and stool combination that has aportion of the frame of the stool internalized within the pack.

BACKGROUND

Generally, outdoor enthusiasts and contractors alike often have a needfor a pack to carry a variety of equipment. They may also find a need tocarry other supplies including a stool or chair. Some will try to carryas many items as possible at a given time and may even tie on severalloose items to a pack to free up use of their arms and hands. Over theyears attempts have been made to effectively join a stool or chair witha backpack. Others have proposed various ways to tie a chair or stoolonto a backpack.

In the past, various backpacks have been described that attach aseparate folding chair or stool to an external side of a backpack orcarrying bag. These combinations tend to be cumbersome and unstable,both while carrying the backpack and also when the chair or stool isunfolded. Further, the frame of the stool or chair loosely tied to apack may interfere with the mobility of the user or even causeundesirable pressure on the user.

Also, the support structure of the pack itself can cause undesirablepressure on the user. Those familiar with backpacking understand theneed for a rigid pack frame to support heavier loads within the pack,while providing a frame that does not cause discomfort to the user.Backpacks without stools or chairs have been constructed having eitheran internal and external frame. However, many internal framed packs arenot suitable for supporting heavier loads. Other internal and externalframed pack designs are uncomfortable for the user because a portion ofthe frame presses against the lumbar or spine of the user. The presentinvention provides a pack having a frame that is at least partiallyinternalized within the pack, where the pack frame also acts as asupport or frame for a stool.

SUMMARY

Embodiments according to aspects of the invention include a combinationstool and pack device having a pack, a frame, and a stool seat, whereinthe frame has vertical supports, horizontal seat supports and a base.The vertical supports are at least partially encompassed within the packand the seat attaches to the horizontal seat supports. Shoulder strapsare provided so that the pack may be carried on the back of a user. Theframe provides a rigid support to the pack, however the frameconfiguration avoids direct or indirect pressure against a localizedportion of the back or point on the user's spine. In this manner, theuser is able to carry a load in the pack without having the framepressing against the back of the user.

Also described herein is a pack and stool combination that has a frameinternal to the pack wherein a horizontal structure of the frame isattached to a front of the pack rather than the back of the pack. Inthis manner the horizontal structure of the frame avoids direct orindirect pressure contact against the user's back.

Also described herein is a pack and stool combination that has a framestructure wherein shoulder straps are attached to the pack and the frameconfiguration allows the shoulder straps to be positioned on a backportion of the pack between the supporting framework of the frame. Inthis manner the rigid structure of the frame avoids direct or indirectpressure contact across the user's back.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute aportion of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the inventionand, together with the detailed description, serve to further explainthe invention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presentlypreferred; however, it should be understood, that the invention is notlimited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. For afuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention,reference should be made to the detailed description in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the various figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, likenumerals throughout the figures identify substantially similarcomponents.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a combination pack and stooldevice in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the combination pack and stool ofthe type shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a combination pack and stooldevice in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of the combination pack and stool ofthe type shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a combination pack and stooldevice in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of the combination pack and stool ofthe type shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a combination pack and stooldevice in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the stool frame in accordance withan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a back perspective view of the stool frame of the type shownin FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the stool frame of the typeshown in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the stool frame of the type shown inFIG. 8, shown tipped on its side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description provides detail of various embodiments of theinvention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each ofthese embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the invention,and not intended to be a limitation of the invention. Further, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications andvariations may be made in the present invention without departing fromthe scope or spirit of the invention. By way of example, those skilledin the art will recognize that features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment, may be used in another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention alsocover such modifications and variations that come within the scope ofthe appended claims and their equivalents.

Turning attention now to the Figures, embodiments of the combinationbackpack and stool will now be described in more detail. With Referenceto FIGS. 1 and 2 a combination backpack and stool device 10 is shownthat is particularly well suited for use by contractors in constructionor other trades. The contractor pack 30 is coupled to frame 14 throughvertical frame slots 20, horizontal frame slot 22, and straps 18. Theframe 14 includes a seat 16 and a base 24. The pack 30 includes an opentop and front portion 32 to allow quick access to a divided internalcompartment 34 of the pack 30. The pack further includes a multitude ofopen side pockets that are well suited for tools and the like. Ashoulder strap 38 is attached to sides of the pack 30 to provide anefficient carrying mechanism for the contractor's pack 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 a combination backpack and stool 10 isshown that is particularly well suited for use by fisherman and thelike. The Fishing pack 50 is coupled to frame 14 through vertical frameslots 20, horizontal frame slot 22, and strap 18. The frame 14 includesa seat 16 and a base 24. The frame includes vertical supports 126 and128 that extend through the vertical frame slots 20. The base includessupports or feet 120 and 124 and cross member 122. The pack 50 includespadded shoulder straps 64 that are attached to a back portion of thepack 50 between the vertical supports 126 and 128. The cross member 122separates the base supports 120 and 124 and provides stability to thebase. The cross member 122 extends through horizontal frame slot 22 in afront portion of the pack and is separated a distance from the backportion to avoid contact with the user's back. The pack 50 includeszippered compartments 52 and 54 and zippered pocket 56 and 56 to allowsecure storage of fishing tackle or other items within the pack. Toolpouch 60 is attached to a front of the pack and includes a strap tosecure the tool within the pouch. A rod holder strap 62 is attached to aside the pack 50 and may be used to secure a rod or other objects to aside of the pack. The shoulder straps 64 include a chest strap 68 thatallows the user to secure the shoulder straps across the chest to reduceslipping of the shoulder straps on the user's shoulders.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 a combination backpack and stool 10 isshown that is particularly well suited for use by outdoorsman, includinghunters and the like. The hunting pack 70 is coupled to frame 14 throughvertical frame slots 20, horizontal frame slot 22, and strap 18. Theframe 14 includes a seat 16 and a base 24. The frame includes verticalsupports 126 and 128 that extend through the vertical frame slots 20.The base includes supports or feet 120 and 124 and cross member 122. Thepack 70 includes padded shoulder straps 84 that are attached to a backportion of the pack 70 between the vertical supports 126 and 128. Thecross member 122 separates the base supports 120 and 124 and providesstability to the base. The cross member 122 extends through horizontalframe slot 22 in a front portion of the pack and is separated a distancefrom the back portion to avoid contact with the user's back. The pack 70includes a zippered top compartment 72 and zippered pockets 82 to allowsecure storage of gear or other items within the pack. Cinch straps 74and 76 allow the user to cinch the pack into a tight bundle to reducethe amount that gear stored in the pack shifts around inside the pack.Loops 78 further provide a member extending from the pack to which otheritems may be tied or otherwise coupled. A vertical handle is attached toa side of the pack which provides an additional carrying option for theuser. The shoulder straps 84 include a chest strap 88 that allows theuser to secure the shoulder straps across the chest to reduce slippingof the shoulder straps on the user's shoulders. Padded hip straps 86 ofsuitable known construction extend from a lower portion of the pack 70and allow the user to direct or distribute a portion of the weight ofthe pack onto the user's hips to thereby reduce strain against theshoulders.

Referring now to FIG. 7 a combination backpack and stool 10 is shownthat is particularly well suited for use by sportsman of all kinds. Thesportsman pack 100 is coupled to frame 14 through vertical frame slots20, horizontal frame slot 22, and strap 18. The frame 14 includes a seat16 and a base 24. The frame includes vertical supports 126 and 128 thatextend through the vertical frame slots 20. The base includes supportsor feet 120 and 124 and cross member 122. The pack 100 includes paddedshoulder straps 112 (not shown) that are attached to a back portion ofthe pack 100 between the vertical supports 126 and 128. The cross member122 separates the base supports 120 and 124 and provides stability tothe base. The cross member 122 extends through horizontal frame slot 22in a front portion of the pack and is separated a distance from the backportion to avoid contact with the user's back. The pack 100 includes azippered compartments 102, zippered pockets 104, and open end pockets106 to provide a variety of storage options for the user. Cinch straps108 allow the user to cinch the pack to reduce the amount of shifting ofgear stored within the pack. Loops 114 further provide an attachmentalternative extending from the pack to which other items may be tied orotherwise coupled. Padded hip straps 110 of suitable known constructionextend from a lower portion of the pack 100 and allow the user to director distribute a portion of the weight of the pack onto the user's hipsto thereby reduce strain against the shoulders.

With reference to FIGS. 8-11 the pack frame 14 will be described ingreater detail. Without limitation intended, the frame is constructed ofa lightweight, high strength tubular material, of suitable knownmaterials, and may be sectioned for quick assembly and take down. Framebase 24 includes side members or feet 120 and 124 and a cross member122. The sides and base together form a base of stability. Verticalsupports 126 and 128 extend upward from the base from corresponding sidemembers 120 and 124. All sections of the frame, including the verticalsupports may be sectioned and held in place with quick release snapfitting 138 (shown in FIG. 7) of known suitable construction. Extendinghorizontally from the vertical supports are corresponding seat supports132 and 134. The seat supports couple to seat 16. Reinforcement web 130is formed in seat to allow for reduced weight and material of the seatwhile reinforcing the seat from collapse. The corners of the frame areradiused with at least a 3 inch radius so that the frame may support 400pounds without collapsing.

These and various other aspects and features of the invention aredescribed with the intent to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Thisinvention has been described herein with detail in order to comply withthe patent statutes and to provide those skilled in the art withinformation needed to apply the novel principles and to construct anduse such specialized components as are required. It is to be understood,however, that the invention can be carried out by specifically differentconstructions, and that various modifications, both as to theconstruction and operating procedures, can be accomplished withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. Further, in the appendedclaims, the transitional terms comprising and including are used in theopen ended sense in that elements in addition to those enumerated mayalso be present. Other examples will be apparent to those of skill inthe art upon reviewing this document.

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination stool and pack device, comprising:a pack; a frame having vertical supports, horizontal seat supports and abase, said vertical supports being at least partially encompassed withinthe pack, wherein said base has only three sides; and a seat attached tothe horizontal seat supports.
 2. The device as recited in claim 1,wherein when the frame is in an upright position, the horizontal seatsupports, vertical supports and base form a “c” configuration.
 3. Thedevice as recited in claim 2, wherein the three sides of said baseincludes two side members and a cross member that interconnects the twoside members in a spaced relation.
 4. The device as recited in claim 3,wherein said cross member is positioned adjacent a front portion of thepack and spaced away from a back portion of the pack.
 5. The device asrecited in claim 1, wherein the vertical supports are coupled to thepack adjacent a back portion of the pack and spaced apart on sides ofthe pack.
 6. The device as recited in claim 4, wherein the verticalsupports are coupled to the pack adjacent a back portion of the pack andspaced apart on sides of the pack.
 7. The device as recited in claim 1,wherein said pack includes an open top portion.
 8. The device as recitedin claim 1, wherein a top portion of said pack is attached to saidhorizontal seat supports.
 9. The device as recited in claim 6, wherein atop portion of said pack is attached to said horizontal seat supports.10. The device as recited in claim 9, wherein said pack further includesshoulder straps attached to said pack and positioned on the back portionof said pack between said vertical supports.
 11. A combination stool andpack device, comprising: a pack; a frame having vertical supports,horizontal seat supports and a base, said vertical supports being atleast partially encompassed within the pack, wherein said base has onlythree sides, wherein the three sides of said base includes two sidemembers and a cross member that interconnects the two side members in aspaced relation, and wherein said cross member is positioned adjacent afront portion of the pack and spaced away from a back portion of thepack; and a seat attached to the horizontal seat supports, wherein whenthe frame is in an upright position, the horizontal seat supports,vertical supports and base form a “c” configuration.
 12. The device asrecited in claim 11, wherein the vertical supports are coupled to thepack adjacent a back portion of the pack and spaced apart on sides ofthe pack.
 13. The device as recited in claim 11, wherein said packincludes an open top portion.
 14. The device as recited in claim 11,wherein a top portion of said pack is attached to said horizontal seatsupports.
 15. The device as recited in claim 12, wherein a top portionof said pack is attached to said horizontal seat supports.
 16. Thedevice as recited in claim 15, wherein said pack further includesshoulder straps attached to said pack and positioned on the back portionof said pack between said vertical supports.